Monday, May 3, 2010

Peace For The Journey

At the end of 2007 I stumbled onto the Christian blog world. Shortly thereafter in March of 2008 I became friends with a blogger whose words instantly grabbed my heart and soul. She could take you on a journey and lead you to the presence of God literally. Later that summer I actually ran into her at a Christian women's conference. She was in the hallway laughing and handing out candy. When I realized who she was there was an instant warmth and comfort with being in her presence. A peace. Seriously, and she is all about peace. She is Elaine Olsenfrom the Carolina's and I have been honored to call her my blog friend. I have felt safe to share with her my pain throughout the years and knew this women of God was one of the first I could call on for prayer. Though she is my age, her writings have been a mentoring of sorts, spiritual counseling, guiding me closer to this God we both cherish. I have been in awe of her penmanship and the spiritual depth she could take you to. And I have encouraged her since that meeting to write me a book. there's something about copying all her blog entries being a copyright violation or something. Smile.

I did a little scream this morning when she announced today her book was being released. I am so darn proud for her! I know most of you who venture over this way these days are already friends with Elaine and her blog site "Peace for the Journey", BUT if by chance you have stumbled on here, and you don't know Elaine, I encourage you to visit her site and be captivated by the words she pens prompted by a God she serves so well. As you see below, God has given her a gift and now it's wrapped in a cover for us to cherish!

Elaine, you are huge to me. I cherish your writings and so look forward to this new book of yours!! Thank you for being there and thank you for listening to God! I hope you are already starting on book number two!!

5 comments:

You are huge to me as well, and I am honored to call you friend! Thank you for your words here and for allowing me any measure of input into your heart and life. It's more than I deserve, yet I humbly receive it as a gift from a God who cannot help but be gracious unto those he loves!

I'm glad you understood "huge"!! I read it again and thought "aughhh...that could be taken wrong.Your godly influence has encouraged and uplifted me more than you will ever know. There will be an extra jewell in that crown just for that.I think I will have to have a give-a-way with your book real soon!!

I am sorry if my comment is rude. I don't want claim you think as like as me, but please, read this book. I feel your words are fine, but I want you read it and later tell me if you follow feeling the same. Only read it might not make you change, but you'll be more intellectual. :D

Philippians 3:10-11, Amplified

For my determined purpose is that I may know Him that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly, and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection which it exerts over believers, and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed in spirit into His likeness even to His death, in the hope that if possible I may attain to the spiritual and moral resurrection that lifts me out from among the dead even while in the body.

My Better Half....

He still takes my breath away!

My Spiritual Goal's thoughout the years...

2015 I am unsettled. I want God more...Revive deep spirituality in my heart; let me live near to the Great Shepherd, hear his voice, know its tones, follow its calls. "Lord, I cry out to you. I say, “You are my protection. You are all I want in this life.” ~ Ps. 142: 52014 Enough & Anchored: God is enough (focus) & I will be anchored in Him (action)."Lord," said Phillip, "Show us the Father, and that's ENOUGH for us." ~John 14:8 (HCSB). "[God's] hope is real & true, an ANCHOR to steady our restless souls, a hope that leads us back...to where God is..." ~ Heb 16:9 (The Voice)

2013: Diakono's Living-Loving Out Loud (LOL): having the heart to do something radical for God.Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. ~ Hebrews 13:16 (HCSB)2012: Living Out Loud (LOL): Losing control for what God wants me to do!! ~ Isaiah 58: 10-12 (Message)

2011 Goal: A Godly Woman's Journey: having a fuller understanding and expression of the love of God. ~ 2 Thes 3:5

2010 Goal: To grow my trust (faithfulness) in Him and to Praise (thankfulness) Him more!~Ps 63:1-8

2009 Goal: increase my prayer life ~ Col 4:2-6

2008 Goal: heart, mind, & action of a servant~ Isa 61:1-3

2007 Goal: Freedom from my past ~Ps 40:1-3

Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2011

In 2009 I started memorizing scripture with Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memory Team. It started a journey in my life that I now cherish. I didn't think my "older" brain could memorize scripture but it has and it has literally been my "life-line" in some of the most troubling times over these past few years. I encourage you to join us in this new year. Here are my chosen scripture throughout the years:

2015 Memory Verses: Ps 142: 5 (NCV);

Verse for the year 2014: “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.” ~ John 14:8 (HCSB)

One of my favorites...

To get your copy, click on the book and PLEASE remember to pray for Elaine as she journeys with breast cancer.

I am not a writer...I am a women of grace, who through life circumstances has learn what it means to live in and through Christ. I wouldn't change a thing in my life because of where it has brought me spiritually with my Lord (Psalms 40:1-3). I have a godly husband and a blended family with six girls!! I am blessed!! I am also nurse, an educator, and have served in youth and women's ministry. I started this blog years ago when I was active in women's ministry but life got difficult, and the pain and losses pulled me out of ministry. Though my heart longs to be back there, I have recently changed my focus here to be more of a legacy for our girls. As I grow more in love with Jesus every day, I pray and hope that I pass that on to them. If you have stumbled onto this blog, I pray that in my being open and transparent, you too see Christ in my living and are encouraged. As I study His word deeper, I strive to become more like Jesus. Therefore, my prayer for this blog comes from Isaiah 50:4 "Sovereign Lord, give me your words of wisdom, so that I will know how to comfort the weary and those who need to know Your grace. Morning by morning awaken me and open my understanding to Your will. Guide me to share it here".